The assignment assessed opportunities for European horticulture companies to set up or expand operations in Africa and provided IFC with an actionable framework for engaging investors in sustainable, high-end agricultural supply chains. It confirmed interest from credible horticulture players. Their motivations are to extend production periods, reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-heated greenhouses and limit exposure to volatile energy prices. Africa offers them diversification, competitive costs and the potential to meet EU deforestation-free and sustainability requirements.
Because horticulture is capital-intensive, even sophisticated European players need tailored support to enter African supply markets and comply with EU standards. Anteja mapped European horticulture players and prioritised a pipeline for African expansion by company size, sustainability posture and market readiness. It assessed horticulture supply chains, including environmental and social aspects, and grouped opportunities into sub-asset classes that define investable themes.
Using a selection framework, Anteja shortlisted companies and prepared company briefs and investor-ready pitch materials. It facilitated IFC’s engagement with priority firms and refined the prioritisation based on those discussions. It also outlined EU market-access compliance and financing considerations to inform outreach to financial institutions.
Project duration: June – December 2024
Region: Africa and Europe